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Steven Coulson
Steven has been drinking beers, wines and spirits for decades and has a propensity to go about them at length after a few drinks.
Latest Posts
- 57/m: Love beer, but it doesn’t love me as much anymore
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- Does anyone else get treated like a beer snob for ordering literally anything that isn’t a macro lager?
- Is there a polite way to refuse a beer that’s being served in the wrong glassware without making everyone at the table uncomfortable?
- # What’s the most pretentious thing you’ve ever said about beer that you secretly didn’t understand yourself?
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Bridging the Gap: How to Talk About Craft Beer Without Coming Off as a Snob
As a craft beer enthusiast, you may find it challenging to navigate conversations with friends who consider any cold brew as “beer.” Often, they roll in with a 30-pack of the cheapest lager or casually request “a beer” at restaurants, as if there’s only one kind. This scenario can lead to some head-scratching moments, especially when you’re eager to share your love of artisanal brews.
The last time you gathered with friends, you brought a selection of high-quality craft beers, only to notice your pals take a cautious sip before swiftly returning to their mainstream favorites. You might have felt a sense of disappointment as you witnessed the disconnect between your passion and their preferences.
It’s tough when discussing hops and brewing techniques can trigger a mental exit for your friends, quickly leading to awkward moments where you find yourself fighting the urge to enlighten them. Your impeccable taste in beer leads you to crave flavorful experiences, yet you’re faced with a stark contrast: the uninspired taste of mass-produced options.
So, how can you bridge this divide without coming off as pretentious or overly eager to educate? Here are some strategies:
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Choose Your Words Wisely: Instead of diving into a detailed discussion about flavor profiles and brewing techniques, try using relatable language. Focus on what makes the craft beer experience enjoyable—like the uniqueness of flavors or artisanal brewing processes—without resorting to jargon that might overwhelm them.
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Offer Tasting Events: Host a casual tasting night where you can introduce various craft beers alongside their usual favorites. Create a friendly atmosphere where the goal is exploration and fun, steering clear of any competitive comparisons.
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Highlight Common Ground: Find aspects that resonate with your friends. Perhaps you can relate the taste of a specific craft beer to a familiar flavor they enjoy. This can help demystify the experience and make them more open to trying new options.
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Be Patient and Empathetic: Recognize that everyone has different taste preferences, and that’s perfectly okay! Introduce craft beer as an exciting avenue for exploration rather than a judgment on their choices.
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Respect Their Choices: Ultimately, some friends may simply prefer their favorite brews. Embrace their tastes while still inviting them to share in your passion—after all, it’s about enjoying good moments together.
Navigating these conversations can